Magnetic hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles were successfully synthesized via an inverse suspension polymerization in silicone oil, by employing methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane(MPS)-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles as magnetic particles, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as template, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as hydrophilic monomer, and acetonitrile as high polar porogen. The synthesized magnetic hydrophilic MIP particles could be separated rapidly under an external magnetic field. About 94% transmittance of the particlewater suspension could be reached within 20 min by magnetic separation, whereas about 84% transmittance was achieved after at least 180min by sedimentation. The adsorption capacity of the particles was also studied in pure aqueous environments. These hydrophilic MIP particles had a higher selectivity for templates. Hydrophilic MIP particles took on a higher imprinting factor than hydrophobic MIP particles and 2,4-D were able to rebind hydrophilic MIP particles more easily than 4-Chorophenoxyacetic acid.